Archaeology
All topics-
Non-Fiction: Michael Sommer′s ″Syria. Geschichte einer zerstoerten Welt″
Before the truth wars: The history of a destroyed world
In ″Syria. Geschichte einer zerstörten Welt″, Michael Sommer masterfully succeeds in throwing a spotlight on the past, every distinct detail illuminating a complex context. Questioning stereotypes, such as the alleged separation of Orient and Occident, he has produced a highly readable work for our time. Marius Meller read the book
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Cultural heritage in Syria and Iraq
Casualties of war
The wealth of cultural sites strewn throughout present day Syria and Iraq bear ample witness to the fact that this area was once revered as the cradle of civilisation – sadly, many of these sites have fallen victim to war, violence and looting. By Mey Dudin
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Islamic State′s destruction of Mosul
Razed to the ground
Islamic State recently blew up Mosul′s landmark Al-Nuri mosque. The extent of the damage is only likely to be fully revealed when the jihadists are finally driven out of the city. By Joseph Croitoru
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Iran exhibition: "Ancient Culture between Water and Desert "
The cradle of civilisation
Ancient Persians were visually oriented and close to nature. Artefacts that only narrowly escaped theft are now on show for the first time outside Iran. The German exhibition reveals the origins of present-day Iran. By Sabine Oelze
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Exhibition: "Iran. Ancient cultures between water and desert"
Idyllic gardens, legendary princesses and mythical beasts: ancient artefacts that show 8000 years of early Persian history are now making their debut for the first time outside Iran. The German exhibition reveals the origins of present-day Iran.
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Palmyra post-IS
A pawn in Assad's game
For Palmyra, Assad is just as bad as IS. Completely rebuilding Palmyra's destroyed cultural treasures would turn it into a kind of Disneyland, says archaeologist Annie Sartre-Fauriat. Interview by Sabine Oelze
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Arab reactions to the reconquest of Palmyra
A dirty double-cross
The reconquest of Palmyra is a bittersweet victory: with finger-pointing and insinuations, the warring factions are exploiting the site's destruction for propaganda purposes. By Joseph Croitoru
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Between Tigris and Euphrates
Mesopotamia: the cradle of civilisation
The Middle East is not only the scene of terrible violence, but also the birthplace of modern civilisation. It is high time we recalled the historical significance of ancient Mesopotamian culture, realising that current events in the Middle East are also a threat to our own identity. By Melanie Christina Mohr
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Reconstruction of Aleppo
″Others destroy and we rebuild″
The battle-torn city of Aleppo lies in ruins. Nonetheless, former residents of the city and experts located in Budapest are already working towards the reconstruction of the 5000 year old metropolis. By Iris Mostegel
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Agatha Christie and the Orient
When murder came to Mesopotamia
Hydrangea hedges, village gossip and high tea form the backdrop for Agatha Christie′s detective stories, which, sold in their millions worldwide, shape our image of England. But many of these typically English stereotypes and settings were actually created in the Middle East. By Christine Pfeilschifter
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The National Museum in Beirut
Fighting to save the region's cultural heritage
As world heritage sites in Iraq and Syria continue to be bombed, blown up and bulldozed, the question as to what can be done to save their historical treasures has taken on a new urgency. The National Museum in Beirut is playing its part in trying to save the region's cultural heritage. By Juliane Metzker in Beirut
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Archaeological artefacts and sites in Syria
When historical treasures become pawns in a civil war
The Druze region in southern Syria, home to numerous archaeological treasures, is still regarded as one of the strongholds of the Assad regime. But that may soon change. Will Suwaida become the next Palmyra? By Joseph Croitoru